Mikel Merino has once again been one of Arsenal’s top performers in front of goal this season, and his form has left Theo Walcott so surprised.
Merino’s 28-goal contributions for club and country in 2025 have highlighted just how impressive the Spaniard has now become as a striker.
Away at Stamford Bridge, Merino came up trumps for Arsenal by scoring the equalising goal following an impressive cross from teammate Bukayo Saka.
The 29-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best attackers in Arsenal’s squad, and Walcott has been discussing his impressive form over the past year.
Theo Walcott has been shocked by Mikel Merino’s form
Theo Walcott has been so impressed by Mikel Merino’s incredible goal-scoring form for Arsenal and hailed him as the ‘man for the big occasions’.
Mikel Arteta is now facing a real dilemma at Arsenal as he must pick between Merino, Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz as his starting number nine.
However, it’s bad news for Gyokeres, as Walcott is backing Merino to start ahead of the Swede in the big matches.
“I feel he’s more trusted in these big games. He’s got more experience. If Kai Havertz was fit and firing, I think that would be another thing,” said the former Gunner.
Theo Walcott has been ‘constantly surprised’ by Mikel Merino…
“Merino is just coming up with some big moments in the big occasion against the biggest teams. Look at Newcastle away.
“He’s always played that role. Like, he’s surprised me, he’s surprising me constantly. I think it works.
“I think Gyokeres is more of a battering ram when it comes to it in those fixtures to really be a game changer in that sense. I think coming off the bench kind of suits him well in those games, personally.”
Arsenal’s big summer signing, Gyokeres, now faces a real battle on his hands to win back his spot as the striker for the North London club.
Mikel Arteta explains why he loves Mikel Merino so much
Arteta claims that Merino’s inquisitive nature and desire to improve has helped him to make a smooth transition from midfielder to striker.
The Spanish manager knew as soon as he signed him and had his first chat with the ex-Real Sociedad star that he could be much more than just a number eight.
When asked whether he’s been surprised by Merino’s ability to play as a striker, Arteta told the media via HaytersTV: “That’s the thing you learn when you sign a player. I knew that he could offer much more than what he had, and especially after I met him for the first time.
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“A player that has that amount of curiosity and questions, asking how he can learn constantly, the way he loves football.
“It’s difficult to put limits on that because when someone wants to grow every single day, that tells me they’re hungry to win, evolve and be part of something very powerful.”
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